Fluoride in toothpaste: Your key to bright white and healthy teeth

What is fluoride and why is it so important in toothpaste?

Fluoride, including its variant sodium fluoride, is a naturally occurring trace element that can be found in various foods, drinking water, and most commonly used in dental care. But what makes fluoride, sometimes referred to as "dugarrd," so special that it is found in so many toothpastes? The answer lies in fluoride's unique ability to remineralize tooth enamel. This means it is very good at helping to restore the minerals calcium and phosphate to the enamel that have been lost through acids from food and drink. This process is crucial for caries prevention, reducing buildup, and overall dental health.

Regular use of fluoride toothpaste strengthens tooth enamel, which in turn reduces the risk of tooth decay and other dental problems. In addition, one of the benefits of fluoride is that it promotes oral hygiene by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, thus preventing gingivitis and plaque and tartar buildup. So it's not just a caries protector, but a comprehensive tool for overall oral health and healthier teeth.

What you need to know when using fluoride toothpastes

Using fluoride toothpaste is a great way to protect your teeth and promote oral health against the harmful effects of sugars. But as with many things in life, the dose makes the poison. It is important to use the recommended amount of toothpaste, which is usually stated on the packaging. An overdose of fluoride can lead to side effects such as fluorosis, a discoloration of the teeth, especially in children. Therefore, it is advisable to supervise young children when brushing their teeth and make sure they do not swallow the toothpaste. It is also advisable to rinse the mouth with water only after brushing and not to eat or drink anything, including sugars, immediately. This way, the fluoride can work longer on the teeth and develop its full effect.

Fluoride and children's toothpaste: what you should know

As already mentioned, choosing the right toothpaste for children is particularly important. Children's toothpaste should have an adjusted fluoride content to meet the special needs of milk teeth. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis, a discolouration or staining of the teeth. This is a particular concern with baby teeth as they can be more sensitive to fluoride. In small amounts, however, fluoride is safe and provides effective protection against tooth decay for children. It is therefore advisable to choose a children's toothpaste that is specially formulated for your child's age. These toothpastes often have a lower fluoride content and are available in child-friendly flavours to make brushing more enjoyable. It is also important to supervise children when brushing their teeth and make sure they spit out the toothpaste, as swallowing can lead to excessive fluoride absorption.

The right dosage: How much fluoride is optimal?

Using the correct amount of fluoride toothpaste is crucial for effective dental caries prophylaxis and general oral hygiene. The levels of fluoride concentration in toothpastes are often expressed in "parts per million" (ppm) or milligrams per gram (mg/g). Typically, adult toothpastes contain about 1000 to 1500 ppm of fluoride, which is about 1 to 1.5 mg of fluoride per gram of toothpaste. For children, a lower concentration is recommended, often in the range of 500 ppm. It is important to follow the instructions on the package or the recommendations of an expert to make sure you are getting the optimal, pea-sizedamount of fluoride on your toothbrush. Overdosing with too high levels of fluoride can lead to side effects such as dental fluorosis , so it is advisable not to exceed the recommended levels. If you are unsure about how much fluoride is appropriate for you or your family, a consultation with a professional is always a good idea.

Alternatives to fluoride: Are there equivalent options?

There are many alternatives to fluoride toothpastes on the market that often advertise natural ingredients such as herbs, minerals, or activated charcoal. These products can be particularly appealing if you have concerns about fluoride intake from various sources like fluoridated water, mouth rinses, and mouthwash, and are looking for a natural dental care option. However, it is important to understand that these fluoride-free alternatives such as non-fluoride toothpastes do not offer the same effectiveness in terms of caries prevention and tooth enamel strengthening as fluoridated toothpastes. Scientific studies have consistently shown that fluoride, whether in toothpaste, fluoridated water, mouth rinses, or mouthwash, is able to effectively remineralizetooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Other ingredients have not demonstrated these abilities to the same extent. Flossing can also be a helpful addition to your oral care routine but doesn't replace the benefits of fluoride. Therefore, our conclusion is: while there are interesting alternatives, there is currently no equivalent option to fluoride and fluoride-containing products when it comes to comprehensive protection and care of your teeth.

ALPINE WHITE toothpastes: your daily companion for a radiant smile

ALPINE WHITE offers an impressive range of dental care products with optimal and safe fluoride content, specifically designed to integrate seamlessly into your daily routine and available in Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Whitening Toothpaste Extra White is ideal for those looking for the ultimate whiteness for their teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, the "Whitening Toothpaste Sensitivity Relief" is your perfect companion, offering protection and care in one. And for those who want comprehensive protection against plaque, there is the "Whitening Toothpaste Anti Plaque". But that's not all: ALPINE WHITE is expanding the range with innovative products such as Charcoal Powder and Whitening Foam, which complete your dental care routine and take it to the next level. So if you're looking for holistic dental care that is not only effective but also tailored to your individual needs, ALPINE WHITE toothpastes are just right for you!

ALPINE WHITE treatments: For optimal oral hygiene

In addition to the high-quality toothpastes, ALPINE WHITE also offers a range of professional treatments that take your dental care to a whole new level. From preventive to cosmetic treatments, everything is performed by experts in dentistry at the ALPINE WHITE studios. The innovative in-office bleaching whitens your teeth gently and painlessly in just one session. If you want to keep your teeth healthy, ALPINE WHITE offers professional dental cleanings with the latest instruments that gently remove plaque from your tooth surfaces. For those who want to optimise their dental care routine, there's the Oral Health Checkup, where your teeth and oral cavity are examined to create a customised routine. And if you want to add some extra sparkle to your smile, you can even have dental jewellery applied. In addition, there are add-ons like tongue cleaning and soon caries repair and caries risk analysis. With ALPINE WHITE, you get holistic dental care that goes far beyond daily brushing.